WHAT TO PACK IN YOUR EMERGENCY TRAVEL BAG

I always keep a small bag of essentials in the bottom of my purse, but when traveling, it becomes even more crucial to have a few must-haves on hand—especially if you’re like me and need a chapstick within reach at all times! Whether you’re on a plane, cruise ship, or in a foreign country, you can’t always just stop by a store when something comes up.

To help you stay prepared, here’s a list of toiletries and emergency essentials for your next trip. The goal is to pack everything you might need in the most compact bag possible. You may not need every item, but this list covers a wide range of travel must-haves. I put this together simply by going through the bag I already carry, so you can trust it’s based on real-life experience!

For your convenience, I’ve included links to some of my favorite items, but many of these can be found at home, the dollar store, or Target.

ESSENTIAL TRAVEL BAG MUST-HAVES

Before you start packing, you’ll need a small bag or pouch to keep everything organized. If you already have one, great! If not, I highly recommend these Mesh Zipper Pouches—they come in various sizes and are see-through, making it easy to find what you need. I use them for everything, from organizing passports and electronics to storing paperwork.

ESSENTIALS FOR YOUR TRAVEL BAG

Small tissue pouch
Cough drops
Favorite chapstick (because you can never have too many)
Bandages & alcohol wipes – I love Welly brand bandages; they’re both cute and high-quality. Handy for little ones and adults alike!
Folding brush/comb
Aquaphor Healing Balm Stick – This is a multitasking lifesaver! It works as chapstick, lotion, diaper rash relief, and even for minor burns or dry skin. A must-have.
Antacids
Pen – Perfect for travel forms, notes, or when you can never seem to find one in your purse.
Travel-size ibuprofen – You can buy these in convenient single-dose packets. I keep them in my purse, car, and emergency kits—so handy!
Acetaminophen – Have you ever tried Goody’s Extra Strength Headache Powder? These dissolvable packets contain caffeine for fast relief (just note they also have aspirin).
Nail file – Because nothing else can replace it when you need one!
Flossers – Ever had something stuck in your teeth at a restaurant? These are lifesavers. A small travel case of Plackers is perfect.
Tampons, pads, liners, or a menstrual cup
Extra cash – Small bills for vending machines, tips, or emergencies.
Extra hair tie & bobby pins
Disposable face mask – While not always required, it’s good to have one just in case.
Pepto Bismol Chewables – Trying new foods is part of the adventure, but if your stomach disagrees, these are great to have. They treat multiple symptoms and pack flat.
Dramamine – If you get motion sickness (like I do!), this is a must for car rides, cruises, or even sitting on a dock.
Hand sanitizer gel or wipes

OPTIONAL ADD-ONS FOR EXTRA CONVENIENCE

Travel-size deodorant or Lume invisible cream
Travel-size makeup for quick touch-ups
Small folding fan
Glasses cleaning wipes – For fellow glasses wearers, these are a must.
Neutrogena Makeup Remover Wipes – Single-use packs are perfect for freshening up on international flights.
Children’s chewable medications – If you’re traveling with little ones.
Oil blotting sheets – I found these bamboo charcoal oil blotting sheets—super effective, and a single pack comes with 600 sheets!
Safety pin, paperclip, rubber band – Tiny but useful in unexpected situations.
Travel-size sewing kit
Compact mirror
Wisp mini toothbrush – No water needed, perfect for freshening up on the go.
Gum or mints
Shout Wipes or Tide to Go Stick – For inevitable spills.
Mini scissors

CUSTOMIZE IT TO FIT YOUR NEEDS!

The best part about putting together your own travel essentials bag is that you can tailor it to what you need most. If there’s something you use regularly, try to find a travel-size version to save space.

This would also make a fantastic gift for a high school or college student heading back to school! A cute bag filled with both essentials and fun accessories would be both practical and thoughtful.

What are you adding to your travel emergency bag?

30 BEST FADE HAIRCUT FOR MEN IN 2025

The fade haircut is the epitome of fresh, fashionable masculinity, combining style and versatility effortlessly. Whether you’re into a textured, tapered, high, or low fade, or prefer something artsy or classic, there’s a fade haircut to suit every man. This style works exceptionally well for everyone, including Black men. Before your next trim, explore these top fade haircut ideas to find the perfect look for you.

MID FADE WITH DESIGN

This mid-skin fade features a striking sharp pattern with four consecutive arcs that gradually fade into each other. The top is styled with heavy texture, reminiscent of the popular European crop hairstyle, giving this haircut a distinctive and unique look.

Stylish Taper Fade

Here’s a tip for getting this hairstyle: consider whether you’re comfortable with a faded look. Many guys who have tried it end up loving it, as it can make a noticeable difference in your style. Typically, this look begins with a zero, but you can also start with a one or two if you prefer a less extreme fade.

Drop Fade on French Crop

This style features a masculine French crop with a drop fade. The layers sit just above the fringe, adding texture and movement to the look. The point-cutting technique enhances this cut, particularly with a short fringe that blends seamlessly into the textured hairline. If you have thick hair and a strong jawline, you might opt for a longer fringe. For finer or thinner hair, a blunt, short fringe would be a better choice.

Cute Kids’ Fade

This kids’ haircut is a sleek, short fade pomp. It works well with any hair type, provided your child has the confidence to rock it. For curly hair, use a high-shine pomade to achieve a polished, detailed look. For straight hair, opt for a dry paste to create a matte, textured finish.

Clean and Slick Fade

Introducing the ultimate gentleman’s cut: a sleek and polished fade haircut. This refined style features a low skin fade with a part on the left and a subtle sweep at the front top. The hair is styled back, creating a sculpted shape that subtly resembles a pompadour from the side.

A Fresh Comb Over Fade with a Hard Part

A sharp comb-over with a hard part paired with faded sides creates a sophisticated look. This hairstyle is particularly flattering for men with straight to wavy hair.

Spiky Medium Fade

Spiky medium fade hairstyles are not for the faint of heart. This bold cut makes a strong statement with its noticeable spikes and faded sides, which enhance its overall impact.

Clean Slick Pompadour Fade

You might be surprised by how soothing a haircut can be with this pompadour fade. The style features long, clean lines that flow from the front and fade smoothly towards the back. It’s a sleek and calming cut that pairs perfectly with monochromatic outfits. This pompadour fade is also one of the more popular choices among white men.

Piece-y Skin Fade

This faded cut features a full, rebellious top, capturing the essence of youthful spirit through hair. It maintains a playful look on top while adding a touch of maturity with the faded sides.

Faded Sharp Edges

This faded cut with sharp edges highlights a spiky style. Orienting the spikes horizontally gives the look a modern and approachable feel.

Classic High Skin Fade

This high-skin fade is perfect for guys with medium to low facial hair. It transforms the entire head into a canvas for sharp, clean lines, accentuating both the cheeks and the sides of the head.

Straight-Up High Fade Undercut

This undercut features a high fade, with a pronounced weight line and a rapid skin fade that makes the style stand out.

Sharp Temp Fade

Temp fade haircuts are ideal for men seeking short sides and a sharp, defined style. While this haircut suits any hair type, it particularly complements those with natural curls or waves.

Trendy High Top Fade

The high top fade is a timeless haircut that remains in style due to its distinctive and attention-grabbing appeal. Its unique look ensures it continues to make a statement.

Popular Boosie Fade

The Boosie fade is a highly popular hairstyle among Black men. Its short length makes it easy to style and maintain.

The Popular Burst Fade

The burst fade is a popular men’s haircut that tapers around each ear, making it an ideal choice for achieving a mohawk style.

Straight Up High Fade

This high fade features ample length on top for styling, while the short sides highlight and accentuate the overall look.

Scissor Fade

Consider a scissor fade if your hair tends to grow back unevenly with a clipper cut. The advantage of a scissor fade is that it’s tailored to your specific hair and head shape, customized according to your measurements and preferences.

Low Taper Fade with a Buzz Cut

A short low taper fade paired with a buzz cut is a clean, precise style that works well in professional settings when done right. This look is ideal for men already opting for a buzz cut. If you’re interested, consider asking your barber about combining a buzz cut with a burst fade for added flair.

The Beard Fade

Silver Brushed Up Cut

Sometimes the simplest cuts are the most striking, like this brushed-up silver fade. Clean and tidy, it’s been cut to a grade 1-2 with a fade starting at the temple. The fringe is left longer to create a brushed-up quiff. For that stylish silver fox look, use a volumizing spray while drying and apply some styling powder for a natural finish. Embrace your silver—it’s a timeless style that never goes out of fashion!

Simple Temple Fade

This temple fade on curls adds a cool twist to an otherwise simple hairstyle. The Brooklyn fade offers a sleek cut at the temples, with clean edges that create a smooth, polished finish.

Curly Hair Fade

If you have naturally curly hair, a fade will likely suit you well. For straight-haired men, using a curling iron and some styling cream can easily help you achieve the same look.

Sharp Razor Fade

For those with darker, thicker hair, a razor fade can create a striking look. Simply keep the skin to the midpoint and begin the blend, allowing for ample space to achieve a smooth transition. If styling is a challenge, this razored fade is a great option. To style, comb the hair from the crown area and tousle the front with a matte paste. This product will provide the desired texture without excessive shine.

Modern Mullet with Textured Top and Fringe

Mullets have made a bold comeback, especially with modern twists like this one featuring a textured top and fringe. This mullet fade is tapered around the temples, with the length left on top for added structure, while the back grows out to the client’s preference. The layered, texturized cut enhances movement for easy styling. For a natural finish, use a sea salt spray followed by styling powder.

Short Faux Hawk Fade Haircut

The mohawk is a classic cut that has evolved over the years. This short faux hawk fade is bold and attention-grabbing, with faded sides over the ears and length left down the center to form the hawk. A side fade is a great option if you want the hawk look without fully committing to a disconnected style, giving you a blend of both the hawk and a clean fade.

Messy Low Curly Fade Style

Skin fades are incredibly popular and come in various styles, like this messy low curly fade. These tight afro curls, when grown out, create volume that complements different face shapes. For round faces, the added volume on top can give the appearance of a longer face. This cut features a disconnect at the back and sides, allowing room for the curls to grow and add weight.

Brushed Back

If you’re looking for a fresh haircut, try this brushed-back style. Keeping the sides short and tidy is often a preferred choice, as it keeps hair off your ears and grows out well. If your hair naturally grows forward, you’ll likely need styling products. I suggest starting with a volume spray and blow-drying it in, followed by a matte paste for long-lasting hold throughout the day.

Side-Parted Fade

The side-parted fade is a sleek, dapper style that suits many. The fade rises just above the midpoint, blending at the back and disconnecting at the side part to create a classic comb-over. For the side part, there are a few options, but this version features a ‘hard part’ with a razored-in line. To keep the look sharp, I recommend visiting your barber every 2-3 weeks.

Undercut with Medium Sleek Hair

For those who prefer a longer look, an undercut with medium sleek hair is a great choice. This style features a high fade that’s disconnected from the longer top, allowing the hair on top to grow out. The fade is disconnected at the temples and blended at the back, giving a tidy and cohesive appearance. To maintain a natural look, use a light-hold product like hairspray.

CONCLUSION

Remember, the best fade for you depends on your hair type, face shape, and personal style. So, explore the options, experiment with different lengths and blends, and find the fade that makes you feel confident and stylish.